Irina Antonova | Urban Planning and Sustainable Cities | Women Researcher Award

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Assist. Prof. Dr. Irina Antonova | Urban Planning and Sustainable Cities | Women Researcher Award

Associate Professor | Tomsk Polytechnic University; Ural Federal University | Russia

Assist. Prof. Dr. Irina Antonova is an accomplished researcher whose scholarship centers on regional economics, creative industries, spatial development, and the transformation of single-industry and second-tier cities under digital and post-industrial paradigms. Her research portfolio integrates quantitative modeling, econometric analysis, and policy-oriented frameworks to examine creative reindustrialization, urban resilience, investment attractiveness, and innovation-driven regional growth. She has authored and co-authored influential journal articles in Scopus- and WoS-indexed outlets, contributed scholarly book chapters with international publishers, and actively disseminated findings through peer-reviewed conferences. Her work is supported by competitive national and international research projects and has resulted in registered software programs and research databases, reflecting strong R&D and innovation output. Assist. Prof. Dr. Irina Antonova has received multiple research recognitions and awards, serves as a reviewer for international journals, and contributes to academic conferences and editorial activities. According to Google Scholar, her research impact includes 302 citations across 73 documents, with an h-index of 8 and an i10-index of 6, demonstrating consistent and growing scholarly influence.

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View Scopus Profile  View ORCID Profile  View Google Scholar  View ResearchGate  View Sci Profiles  View Web Of Science

Featured Publications

Theory of diversification of the economy of a single-industry town
– Vectors of Well-Being: Economy and Society, 2015 | Citations: 43

An approach to managing single-industry town diversification projects (using the example of Kuzbass)
– National Interests: Priorities and Security, 2012 | Citations: 19

Yiting Zhao | Urban Planning and Sustainable Cities | Best Researcher Award

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Dr. Yiting Zhao | Urban Planning and Sustainable Cities | Best Researcher Award

Researcher | The University of Manchester | United Kingdom

Dr. Yiting Zhao is a researcher at The University of Manchester, United Kingdom, whose academic work is dedicated to advancing knowledge at the intersection of Complex Product–Service Systems (CoPSS), sustainable design, and responsible project management within the built environment and civil engineering management sectors. Her interdisciplinary research integrates principles of engineering design, digitalization, and sustainability to create innovative frameworks that guide the development of smart buildings and sustainable infrastructure systems aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Dr. Yiting Zhao’s scholarly portfolio encompasses several peer-reviewed journal articles, conference papers, and book chapters. Notably, her 2025 publication in the Journal of Cleaner Production, titled “Advancing Complex Product–Service Systems (CoPSS) Design: An Integrative Literature Review,” presents a comprehensive synthesis of methodological developments in sustainable product–service integration. Her other research contributions include the studies “Integrating Sustainable Design and Responsible Project Management: Methodological Insights from a Smart Hospital Case Study” and “The Integration of Sustainable Design and Responsible Project Management in Designing Complex Product–Service Systems.” These works bridge theoretical frameworks and practical applications, highlighting the importance of co-creation, stakeholder collaboration, and system optimization in sustainable infrastructure design. Employing diverse methodologies such as conceptual modeling, semi-structured interviews, and data-driven analytical approaches, Dr. Yiting Zhao’s research investigates the dynamic interactions among design processes, service delivery mechanisms, and management efficiency in large-scale engineering systems. Her recent studies also explore smart building management, intelligent HVAC design, and circular design strategies to enhance environmental and operational performance. In recognition of her impactful research and academic excellence, Dr. Yiting Zhao received the prestigious IEEE TEMSCON Global 2025 Best Student Paper Award. Her growing scholarly influence-reflected by 15 citations, 1 document and an h-index of 1 on Scopus-demonstrates her commitment to driving sustainable engineering innovation and advancing interdisciplinary research in the fields of engineering design, sustainability, and digital transformation.

Profiles: Scopus | ORCID | Google Scholar | Researcher Profile

Featured Publications

1. Wang, Y., Zhao, Y., Tian, X., Yang, J., & Luo, S. (2025). The influence of subjective knowledge, technophobia and perceived enjoyment on design students’ intention to use artificial intelligence design tools. International Journal of Technology and Design Education, 35(1), 333–358.

2. Zhao, Y., Xie, C., & Lu, M. (2021). Design of smart building operations and maintenance management service system. In Proceedings of the International Conference on Applied Human Factors and Ergonomics (pp. 183–190). Springer.

3. Zhao, Y., & Zhang, J. (2020). Research on the design of smart waste classification and collection service system. In Proceedings of the International Conference on Applied Human Factors and Ergonomics (pp. 275–282). Springer.

4. Zhao, Y. (2015). The influence of the development of 3D printing technology on product design [3D 打印技术的发展对产品设计的影响]. China Machinery, 40–41.

5. Zhao, Y., Zhang, L., Maytorena-Sanchez, E., & Zhang, J. (2025). Advancing complex product–service systems (CoPSS) design: An integrative literature review. Journal of Cleaner Production, 527, 146690.

Jiajia Cai | Environmental Engineering | Best Researcher Award

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Dr. Jiajia Cai | Environmental Engineering | Best Researcher Award

Lecture, Anhui University of Technology, China

Dr. Jiajia Cai is a Lecturer at the School of Energy and Environmental Engineering, Anhui University of Technology, China, where she leads research on photoelectrochemical corrosion protection, renewable energy conversion, and AI-driven materials discovery. She earned her Ph.D. in Materials Science from Northeastern University in 2016, following an M.Sc. in Analytical Chemistry (2011) and a B.Sc. in Applied Chemistry (2009), all from Northeastern University, China. Her research focuses on developing advanced photoelectrochemical materials for sustainable energy applications, including photoelectrocathodic protection (PCP) for metals, green hydrogen production via water splitting, and AI-assisted design of novel semiconductor photoanodes. Professionally, Dr. Jiajia Cai has served as a Lecturer at Anhui University of Technology since 2016, a Postdoctoral Researcher at the National University of Singapore (2019–2020) focusing on optimization of photoanode materials, and a Visiting Scholar at Tsinghua University (2024–2025) emphasizing AI applications in materials science. Her key contributions include the design and fabrication of highly efficient photoanodes using morphology engineering, heterojunction construction and cocatalyst loading strategies, bridging fundamental photoelectrochemistry with practical corrosion prevention technologies and publishing over 50 SCI-indexed papers (58 documents, 877 citations, h-index 17), along with 4 patents under publication or review. She has led multiple national and provincial research projects, including funding from the National Natural Science Foundation of China and Anhui Provincial Natural Science Foundation, as well as support from the Key Lab for Anisotropy and Texture of Materials (ATM), Ministry of Education. Dr. Jiajia Cai is an active member of the Chinese Chemical Society and collaborates with leading institutions such as Tsinghua University, National University of Singapore, and Northeastern University. Her work significantly advances sustainable energy solutions, corrosion protection, and AI-driven materials discovery, contributing to environmental engineering, industrial innovation, and global scientific knowledge. Dr. Jiajia Cai’s research excellence, leadership, and vision position her to continue making transformative contributions to renewable energy and advanced material technologies worldwide.

Profile: Scopus | ORCID | Google Scholar | ResearchGate | Sci Profiles | Scilit

Featured Publications

1. Cai, J., Zhang, Z., Zu, S., Cui, A., Li, X., Xie, Q., Mao, K., & Chen, J. (2025). Built-in electric field in BiVO₄-SnO₂ heterostructure for enhanced photoelectrochemical H₂O₂ production. Fuel, 405, 136762.

2. Zhu, S., Cai, Z., Wang, Y., Wang, J., Cai, J., Xie, Q., & Huang, Z. (2025). Enhanced photoelectrochemical cathodic protection on steel in marine environment by cascade heterojunctions. Construction and Building Materials, 493, 143255.

3. Zhu, S., Xu, F., Wang, Y., Cai, J., Xie, Q., Yang, Y., & Huang, Z. (2025). Experimental study on heat transfer characteristics of a moving single-nozzle jet impingement. ISIJ International, 65(9), 1348–1358.

4. Xie, Q., Cai, Z., Wang, Y., Cai, J., Wang, J., & Sun, S. (2025). Efficient Z-scheme of 2D ZnIn₂S₄/3D TiO₂ for enhanced photoelectrochemical cathodic protection. Journal of Environmental Chemical Engineering, 13(5), 118305.

5. Chen, Q., Zhu, S., Xin, Z., Wang, D., Cai, J., Li, H., & Ding, S. (2024). Surfactant-assisted synthesis of NiCo alloy with specific nanopore architecture as a bifunctional electrocatalyst for rechargeable zinc-air batteries. Functional Materials Letters, 17(04), 451021.

 

Xinqian Shu | Environmental | Best Researcher Award

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Prof. Dr. Xinqian Shu | Environmental | Best Researcher Award

Professor at China University of Mining and Technology-Beijing, China.

Prof. Dr. Xinqian Shu is a leading expert in the fields of clean energy, solid waste treatment, and resource recycling, with decades of dedication to advancing sustainable technologies in China. He has served as the Director of the Institute of Clean Energy and Environmental Engineering at China University of Mining and Technology (Beijing), where he also acts as a doctoral supervisor. Prof. Shu has led over 50 major research projects funded by national and provincial bodies, including the National Key R&D Program of China, the National Natural Science Foundation of China, and strategic scientific programs across Shaanxi, Shanxi, and Xinjiang provinces. In collaboration with major enterprises such as China Coal Energy Group, China Huaneng Group, and Jinergy Holding Group, he has contributed significantly to energy efficiency and environmental protection. Prof. Shu’s academic impact is reflected in over 260 peer-reviewed publications and more than 40 granted invention patents in China and the United States. He has authored three books and received eight prestigious awards from regional governments and the China Coal Industry. His professional affiliations include council memberships in thermal physics, solid waste, and mineral resource utilization. Prof. Shu continues to influence national science and environmental policy through his expert advisory roles.

📝Publication Profile

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🎓Education

Prof. Dr. Xinqian Shu pursued his higher education in engineering and environmental sciences in China, laying a strong academic foundation that supports his expertise in clean energy and waste recycling. He completed his undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral studies in institutions renowned for their focus on mining, energy, and environmental engineering, culminating in a Ph.D. in Environmental or Energy-related Engineering (exact university and degree titles are not explicitly stated in the source and would need to be specified). Throughout his academic journey, Prof. Shu developed strong competencies in thermodynamics, resource recovery, solid waste treatment, and the integration of energy systems with environmental protection. His advanced training has enabled him to supervise numerous doctoral students and research fellows, fostering a new generation of scientists and engineers. His academic background continues to underpin his leadership in large-scale national and industrial research projects. Prof. Shu’s education not only provided him with technical expertise but also instilled a deep commitment to sustainable development and innovation in energy and environmental sectors. His educational credentials have positioned him as a national figure in scientific policy advising and technological development.

💼Professional Experience

Prof. Dr. Xinqian Shu has held several influential academic and administrative positions, most notably serving as the Director of the Institute of Clean Energy and Environmental Engineering at China University of Mining and Technology (Beijing). In this role, he has overseen the development and implementation of research initiatives focused on resource recycling and environmental technology. He has acted as principal investigator for over 50 high-profile projects, including those under China’s National Key Research and Development Program, regional science and technology special initiatives in Shaanxi, Shanxi, and Xinjiang, and collaborations with leading energy and industrial corporations. Prof. Shu has been appointed to advisory and expert review roles for several national scientific and environmental agencies. He serves as a council member of both the Beijing Society of Thermal Physics and Engineering and the Organic Solid Waste Committee of the Society of China Nonferrous Metals. Additionally, he is a member of the Academic Committee for the Ministry of Natural Resources’ Key Laboratory of Coal Resource Exploration. His strategic involvement in the Second Batch of Ecological Environmental Protection-Oriented Development (EOD) Model Pilot Projects reflects his pivotal role in shaping China’s environmental protection policies and technologies.

🔬Research Interest

Prof. Dr. Xinqian Shu’s research interests span a broad yet interrelated set of disciplines within clean energy and environmental science. His core focus areas include solid waste treatment and resource recycling, energy utilization, and pollution control, particularly from coal and organic solid waste. He is also deeply engaged in the comprehensive utilization of non-metallic mineral resources, targeting industrial waste conversion into usable products and renewable energy. His work integrates fundamental research with applied engineering to address some of China’s most pressing environmental challenges. Through his exploration of ecological treatment methods and circular economy frameworks, Prof. Shu aims to enhance energy efficiency and reduce environmental impact. His projects often emphasize the valorization of industrial by-products, development of clean combustion technologies, and low-emission utilization of fossil and alternative fuels. This multidisciplinary approach positions Prof. Shu at the nexus of scientific innovation, policy impact, and industrial application. His research directly contributes to national priorities in sustainable development, pollution reduction, and green technology advancement.

🧠Research Skills

Prof. Dr. Xinqian Shu possesses advanced research skills that bridge fundamental science with industrial application. He specializes in the design and optimization of technologies for the treatment of solid waste, recovery of resources from industrial by-products, and the enhancement of clean energy systems. His methodological expertise includes thermal process modeling, pilot-scale system development, lifecycle analysis, and environmental impact assessment. Prof. Shu is adept at managing large-scale, multidisciplinary research teams and coordinating multi-stakeholder projects across academia, industry, and government agencies. He is also skilled in translating laboratory-scale innovations into practical technologies deployed in coal-based and renewable energy sectors. His ability to integrate policy, environmental engineering, and industrial technology makes him a national leader in applied clean energy research. Prof. Shu’s experience extends to patent writing and technology transfer, demonstrated by his portfolio of over 40 China and US invention patents. His proficiency in both theoretical and applied research supports his continued contributions to national innovation systems and environmental sustainability.

🏆Awards and Honors

Prof. Dr. Xinqian Shu has received multiple prestigious awards in recognition of his scientific excellence and impactful contributions to energy and environmental engineering. He has been honored with eight awards from various provincial and national institutions, including the Beijing Municipality, Shaanxi Province, and Shanxi Province, as well as the China Coal Industry Science and Technology Progress Award. These accolades underscore his role in advancing technological solutions to some of China’s most critical challenges in energy and waste management. His leadership in projects under the National Key R&D Program and his involvement in the Ministry of Ecology and Environment’s EOD Model Pilot Projects have further established him as an expert advisor and innovator. Prof. Shu’s achievements are also evident in his intellectual property portfolio, which includes over 40 patents granted in both China and the United States. His recognition is not only a testament to his scientific acumen but also reflects the societal and industrial relevance of his work in sustainable development and ecological protection.

📈Author Metrics

  • Total Citations: 2,331

  • Citations by Documents: 1,745

  • Total Publications: 136

  • h-index: 27

These metrics reflect Prof. Dr. Shu’s impactful and consistent contributions to the academic and scientific community, demonstrating both productivity and influence in his field.

📌Publications Top Notes

1. Lignocellulose hydrothermal artificial humic acid production: Reaction parameters screening and investigation of model/real feedstock

  • Authors: Changzhi Song; Libo Zhang; Jianing Wang; Xinyu Yu; Yepeng Xiao; Lihua Cheng; Xinqian Shu

  • Journal: Journal of Analytical and Applied Pyrolysis

  • Year: 2024

  • Citations: 7

2. Mechanism study on the generation of oxygen vacancies by ball milling surface modification of siliceous minerals in coal gangue to enhance reactivity

  • Authors: Huixin Zhou, Dingxun Ma, Lingwen Dai, Yichao Wang, Xiaoling Ren, Xiaozhen Liu, Xumin Li, Haijiao Xie, Xinqian Shu

  • Journal: Applied Surface Science

  • Year: 2025

  • Citations: 4

3. Competitive Adsorption of Pb²⁺ from Aqueous Solutions by Multi-Source Lignocellulose-Derived Hydrothermal Humic Acid

  • Authors: Changzhi Song, Junhao Liu, Libo Zhang, Jianing Wang, Xinqian Shu

  • Journal: Processes

  • Year: 2025

  • Citations: 3

4. Machine learning constructs the microstructure and mechanical properties that accelerate the development of CFRP pyrolysis for carbon-fiber recycling

  • Authors: Lingwen Dai, Xiaomin Hu, Congcong Zhao, Huixin Zhou, Zhiji Zhang, Yichao Wang, Shuai Ma, Xiaozhen Liu, Xumin Li, Xinqian Shu

  • Journal: Waste Management

  • Year: 2024

  • Citations: 2

5. Physicochemical, kinetic, and bond-energy analyses of the pyrolysis of carbon-fiber-reinforced polymer waste

  • Authors: Lingwen Dai, Xiaomin Hu, Huixin Zhou, Xiaozhen liu, Yuchen Wu, Liru Sun, Xinqian Shu

  • Journal: Journal of Analytical and Applied Pyrolysis

  • Year: 2025

  • Citations: 1

🧾Conclusion

Prof. Dr. Xinqian Shu stands out as a visionary scientist and educator in the fields of energy efficiency, environmental engineering, and solid waste utilization. With a prolific research career, he has shaped national and regional strategies for clean energy deployment and industrial sustainability. His leadership at China University of Mining and Technology (Beijing), combined with his coordination of over 50 major projects, underscores his capacity to bridge research, policy, and industry. Prof. Shu’s academic output, including over 260 publications, three monographs, and numerous patents, demonstrates his commitment to innovation and practical impact. His awards and professional memberships reflect recognition from the scientific community and government bodies alike. As a scholar, mentor, and strategic advisor, Prof. Shu continues to influence environmental policy, technological advancement, and sustainable practices across China. His contributions have laid a robust foundation for the next generation of researchers and continue to drive progress toward a circular economy and ecological civilization.